TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Federal Cost-Share Agreement (FCSA) with the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the East San Pedro Bay Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study (Long Beach Breakwater Feasibility Study) and any necessary amendments, in an amount not to exceed $4,145,700, for a term of four years; and provide direction to staff on the funding options for the Feasibility Study. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Breakwater (Breakwater) is a federally-owned and operated structure originally built to protect Navy operations in Long Beach, but which also provides current protection to navigation, commerce, coastal zones, property, oil operations, naval ammunition loading operations, and many other operations. The Breakwater also significantly reduces wave heights along the Long Beach shoreline, leaving Long Beach without significant surf most times during the year, and is believed to be one of the factors that negatively affect water quality in the East San Pedro Bay.
As a federal project, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) maintains jurisdiction over the Breakwater, including any potential modification. On July 24, 2007, the City Council directed staff to fund a Reconnaissance Study of the Long Beach Breakwater at a cost of up to $100,000 to determine if there is federal interest in a reconfiguration of the Breakwater or other changes in the East San Pedro Bay. Through a competitive bidding process, Moffatt & Nichol was selected to conduct the Reconnaissance Study. The City of Long Beach seeks to improve water quality and increase recreational opportunities while ensuring that surrounding infrastructure and operations remain protected and viable. The City's Reconnaissance Study proposed five potential alternatives. The City's study concluded that based on preliminary analysis, it may be possible to increase wave activity, improve water quality and improve the ecosystem, all without compromisin...
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